Pomp and Joe Show 8-4-26

It was huge for perception sake that the Pirates won last night. It took too long, but Cherington got his man. Most of the other competitors did more. Joe will grade the Buccos from here on out with a clean slate. The return of Cruz should be massive. There's still concerns about the rotation. Skenes is still the key to the rest of the season. Cherington gets a B. We listen to the drive-thru call with Dan Zan and then we hear from that caller. There's still some criticism that Cherington didn't have more money with which to work. Don Kelly had a good night last night. The fans went from ready to throw in the towel after Sunday to excitement after last night. Nick Farabaugh is live from camp to discuss IMAX and if he will start this season, Asante Samuel Jr, how the QB reps have been split, Drew Allar's ups and downs, who is in the lead for backup QB, a positive development with Kaleb Johnson, Roman Wilson vs Bernard, his perspective on the fans fight over an autograph. Dan Zangrilli was at his best last night. We hear his greatest hits from 2026. John Perotto joins to give his impression of the Pirates trade deadline, what's going on with Paul Skenes, how he'd deploy the bullpen, how this trade deadline felt different than past years, and if the Pirates will make the playoffs. Callers weigh in and give their Pirates' deadline grades. Fort McKenry jumps on to discuss the bullpen additions, Bubba Chandler, Skenes' velocity and changing his arsenal, how catchers acclimate to new pitchers, what strategy he'd use in extra innings, is Jared Jones will start going deeper, if the PIrates should've done more by adding a SP or a bat. Joe's mailbag - the Steelers cap outlook, Joe's dream job. Austin finally calls in at the last second and talks about trying to meet Drew Allar.